| A celebrity is generally someone who is famously | | | | achievements or talents. For example, most |
| recognized by a wide number of people in a society | | | | celebrities are likeable but even these so called |
| or culture. In a media society, fame is usually | | | | 'non-likeable' celebrities who are infamous often have |
| generated by the media however; sometimes people | | | | charisma that makes them interesting, therefore they |
| can become famous even if they don't go into the | | | | continue to get media attention. |
| media directly. A celebrity is someone who gets a lot | | | | Some people can become instant celebrities meaning |
| of media attention and therefore, they generally | | | | that they are thrust into the limelight in a very short |
| have an extroverted personality. It is thought that | | | | space of time and expected to adapt accordingly. |
| the word 'celebrity' is usually associated with the | | | | This can often happen when members of the public |
| celebrated; however, celebrities are not always | | | | participate in reality TV programmes such as 'Big |
| portrayed in a positive light. | | | | Brother.' The reality of this type of fame is that it is |
| A controversial story about their private life can see | | | | usually short-lived. There are a few exceptions that |
| them defamed, for example an affair or violent | | | | do make their fame last, Jade Goody for example, |
| behavior can change the public perception of them as | | | | but in most cases they are forgotten very quickly. |
| a person. Take Chris Brown as an example. | | | | Ever wonder what Stuart and Michelle from BB5 are |
| Celebrities can also be restored back to fame by | | | | up to these days? No, neither does anyone else. |
| good behavior. This is the fickle and fragile nature of | | | | These sorts of people, who achieve a small amount |
| the world of celebrity. | | | | of transient fame through hype or mass media, are |
| All sorts of people can become celebrities and they | | | | stereotyped as a B-grade celebrity. |
| can achieve celebrity status via a wide range of | | | | The 21st century has seen a rise in the public's |
| ways. For some their profession can boost their | | | | fascination for celebrities and an insatiable appetite |
| status, actors and actresses are immediately | | | | for celebrity gossip. As a response to this change |
| rocketed into fame. Others may have a famous or | | | | there has also been an increase in gossip columnists, |
| wealthy family, like Paris Hilton for example, and | | | | tabloids, paparazzi and celebrity bloggers. Today's |
| make themselves famous by making appearances in | | | | technology means that the scope and scale of the |
| the mass media and creating their own brands of | | | | media industries is huge. We can watch and read |
| consumer products. For some it is their looks that | | | | about our favorite celebrities in a wide range of |
| get them media attention. | | | | different mediums. |
| If you are a beautiful young girl then lots of people | | | | The public's fascination with celebrity has also |
| will want to take your photo, get you to walk in their | | | | extended to memorabilia. Nowadays, more and more |
| fashion show or use your face to market their | | | | people are collecting pieces of memorabilia signed by |
| product and you will quickly become known in the | | | | their favorite celebrity and sometimes it can be hard |
| media. Some people are just lucky and become | | | | to know if what you are buying is really genuine. |
| famous by complete luck, even if they don't have | | | | Genuine Memorabilia is a family run business that has |
| any particular talent. Some people may become | | | | been collecting autographs and signed memorabilia for |
| infamous rather than famous in the media. This | | | | over 30 years. They boast a collection of over 6,000 |
| means that they have gained notoriety from a | | | | signed pieces from celebrities from the world of |
| negative incident or reputation. This is different from | | | | sport, film, TV, music and politics. |
| fame as fame usually focuses on positive | | | | |
